Crank systems and methods

ABSTRACT

A crank system of the present disclosure has a rotating bar that is fixedly coupled to a first end of a first axle and for actuating a wheel, a first crank assembly coupled to the first end of the first axle and coupled to a first pedal, and a second crank assembly coupled to a second end of the first axle and a second pedal. The first crank assembly and the second crank assembly are coupled to the first axle such that the rotating bar is aligned with a wheel gear assembly adapted for rotating the wheel when the first pedal and second pedal are at their zenith and nadir positions, alternatively.

BACKGROUND

A drive train system of a bicycle is designed to translate a bicyclist'srotational pedaling motion and the power related thereto into linearmotion. This translation enables a bicyclist to induce forward motionwhile riding the bicycle via rotation of the pedals with the bicyclist'sfeet.

The drive train typically comprises a set of pedals wherein each pedalis rotatably coupled to a crank arm, and each crank arm is fixedlycoupled to a chain wheel. Conventionally, the chain wheel is round and achain moveably interfaces with the teeth (or sprockets) of the wheel.Additionally, the chain moveably interfaces with gears coupled to awheel. Thus, as the bicyclist rotates the pedals, the rotationalmovement induces rotation in the gears, which causes the wheel to rotateand the bicycle to move forward.

In a typical bicycle, as described hereinabove, a bicyclist rotates thepedals 360° in order to induce motion in the corresponding wheel. Due tothe nature of the forces being cyclically applied to the pedals duringrotation, the torque provided to the wheel is not uniform throughout the360° cycle. In this regard, typically uniformity in the torque providedoccurs in that portion of the rotation when the force applied is tangentto rotation.

SUMMARY

Generally, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a crank systemthat has a rotating bar that is fixedly coupled to a first end of afirst axle and for actuating a wheel, a first crank assembly coupled tothe first end of the first axle and coupled to a first pedal, and asecond crank assembly coupled to a second end of the first axle and asecond pedal. The first crank assembly and the second crank assembly arecoupled to the first axle such that the rotating bar is aligned with awheel gear assembly adapted for rotating the wheel when the first pedaland second pedal are at their zenith and nadir positions, alternatively.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure can be better understood with reference to the followingdrawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scalerelative to each other, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the disclosure. Furthermore, likereference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the severalviews.

FIG. 1 depicts a side elevation view of a bicycle having a crank systemin accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A depicts a chain-engaging side perspective view of the cranksystem such as is depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B depicts another exemplary mid crank arm of the crank system suchas is depicted in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C depicts another exemplary mid crank arm of the crank system suchas is depicted in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2D depicts another exemplary rotating bar of the crank system suchas is depicted in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2E depicts another exemplary rotating bar of the crank system suchas is depicted in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2F depicts another exemplary rotating bar of the crank system suchas is depicted in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2G depicts another exemplary rotating bar of the crank system suchas is depicted in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 depicts a non-chain-engaging side perspective view of the cranksystem shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 depicts a cut away view of the crank system depicted in FIG. 1showing an exemplary mounting bar and pedal crank.

FIG. 5 depicts a cut away view of the crank system of FIG. 1 depictingan exemplary rotating bar coupled to the mounting bar depicted in FIG.4.

FIGS. 6A-6I depicts an exemplary complete rotation of the rotating barresulting from translation of up and down movement as applied to pedalssuch as is depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 depicts a non-chain-engaging side of another embodiment of thecrank system such as is depicted in FIG. 1 implemented on a recumbentbicycle.

FIG. 8 depicts a chain-engaging side of the crank system such as isdepicted in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 depicts another embodiment of the crank system such as isdepicted in FIG. 1 implemented at a bracket axle location of a bicycle.

FIG. 10 depicts a chain-engaging side of the crank system such as isdepicted in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 depicts a non-chain-engaging side view of the crank system suchas is depicted in FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 depicts a bicycle 10 equipped with a crank system 11 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shall bediscussed further herein, the crank system 11 while shown in FIG. 1 asoperably coupled to the bicycle 10, the crank system 11 may also beoperably coupled to any type of vehicle or any other device that ismanually foot-powered. In this regard, the crank system 11 may beoperably coupled to other types of vehicles that are fully or partiallyfoot-powered or motor-powered vehicle. For example, the crank system 11may be used on a recumbent, which is a vehicle in which the cyclistreclines (in a substantially horizontal position) when riding andoperating the recumbent.

The bicycle 10 comprises an exemplary frame 17 coupled to a back wheel18 and a front wheel 19. The bicycle frame 17 comprises a top tube 12, ahead tube 15, a seat tube 13, a down tube 14, a seat stay 16, and achain stay 20. Note that the terms “tube” and “stay” refer to structuralmembers of the bicycle 10. A “stay” refers to a thin, usually straightstructural member; whereas the term “tube” refers to any type of metaltubing. Each of the stays and/or tubes may be comprised of aluminum,steel, titanium, or any type of material known in the art orfuture-developed that can structurally withstand forces induced whensuch forces are applied to the frame for inducing forward motion in thebicycle 10.

The top tube 12 connects the head tube 15 to the seat tube 13. Notably,a seat 28 is coupled to a top of the seat tube 13. In one embodiment,the top tube 12 is welded at respective ends to the head tube 15 and theseat tube 13. The head tube 15 is coupled to the front wheel 19.

The down tube 14 connects the head tube 15 to a bottom bracket shell(not shown), which is a hollow receptacle portion of the frame forreceiving a bottom bracket (not shown) that couples a crank system tothe frame 17. In one embodiment, the hollow receptacle portion may becylindrical and unitarily formed in the frame 17 for coupling the cranksystem 11 to the frame 17.

Additionally, the seat tube 13 extends from the seat 28 to the bottombracket shell. Notably, as described further herein, the seat tube 13 isconnected to the top tube 12 (described hereinabove) and the seat stay16.

Further, the seat stay 16 and the chain stay 20 are each coupled to afork end (not shown) that is coupled to an axle (not shown) coupling thewheel 18 to the frame 17. The chain stay 20 further connects to thebottom bracket shell as well. In the exemplary bicycle 10, the chainstay 20 runs parallel to a chain 22. Note that a fork end comprises anopening to which the axle of the wheel 18 is coupled.

The bicycle 10 incorporates a traditional diamond frame. Note howeverthat the crank system 11 may be used on other types of frames in otherembodiments. For example, in some modern mountain bicycles, the top tube12 slopes downward toward the seat tube 13. The crank system 11 may alsobe used on such a bicycle configuration as well as any other frameconfigurations known in the art or future-developed.

As described hereinabove with reference to the exemplary frame 17, thevarious components, i.e., the top tube 12, the head tube 15, the downtube 14, the seat tube 13, the seat stay 16, and the chain stay 20 maybe welded one component to the other to form the frame 17. However,other methods, other than welding, may be used in other embodiments toform a unitary frame 17.

The crank system 11 translates up and down pedaling motion (as opposedto rotating motion) effectuated by a bicyclist into rotating motion inthe wheel 18. The crank system 11 enables more uniform torquetransferred to the wheel 18, which is described further herein.

FIG. 2A depicts a chain-engaging side view of the crank system 11 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cranksystem 11 comprises a mounting bar 214 that is fixedly coupled to andbetween the down tube 14 and the seat tube 13. Such mounting bar 214 maybe fixedly coupled, for example, via welding. Further, the crank system11 comprises crank assemblies 204 and 205, which are described furtherherein. The crank assemblies 204 and 205 couple an axle 206 and arotating bar 207 to pedals 202 and 203. The rotating bar 207 is coupledto cogs 208 and 209, wherein the cogs 208 and 209 are coupled to therotating bar 207 on opposing ends of the rotating bar 207.

Note that in another embodiment, the crank system 11 may be rotatedclockwise or counterclockwise by the point indicated by an axle 201, tobe mounted at any angle with reference to the ground plane, i.e., theplane parallel to the ground relative to the bicycle 10 (FIG. 1).

In this regard, the rotating bar 207 may be rotated and fixedly coupledto the axle 206 such that the top of the cogs 208 and 207 align with theline tangent to the gear 24 (FIG. 1) when the pedal 202 or 203, havereached the zenith or nadir position, which is described further herein.

In one embodiment, the mounting bar 214 may be fixedly coupled to thedown tube 14 and the seat tube 13 such that the mounting bar 214 isparallel with the top tube 12. However, the mount bar 214 may be fixedlycoupled to the down tube 14 and the seat tube 13 such that it is at anangle relative to the top tube 12, as indicated hereinabove. In oneembodiment, the mounting bar 214 may be mounted to just one tube. Forexample, the mounting bar 214 may be mounted only to seat tube 13, downtube 14, or top tube 12. Further, the mounting bar 214 may be mounted toany other part of the frame that allows operation as described.

In addition, the rotating bar 207 is rotatably coupled to the mountingbar 214 via an axle 206 that rotates within a bore (not shown) in themounting bracket 214. The rotating bar 207 is fixedly coupled to theaxle 206 via a bore 299. In this regard, the axle 206 extends throughthe bore 299, and an inside surface of the bore 299 is fixedly coupledto the axle 206. In one embodiment, the axle 206 is welded to the insidesurface of the bore 299; however, the axle 206 may be fixedly coupled tothe bore 299 via other methods in other embodiments. In one embodiment,the axle 206 may rotate in only one direction, i.e., clockwise from theperspective of the rotating bar 207 from the chain-engaging side of thecrank system 11, as shown on FIG. 2.

The cogs 208 and 209, as identified hereinabove, comprise a series ofteeth (or projections) 298 that interface with and induce movement inthe chain 22 (FIG. 1). Note that in one embodiment, the cogs 208 and 209have four (4) teeth as shown; however, fewer or additional teeth arepossible in other embodiments. In another embodiment, in place of thecogs 208 and 209, the teeth may be formed in the outside perimeter ofthe rotating bar 207 to interface with and induce movement in the chain22.

Further note that in one embodiment, the chain 22 is a roller chain thatenables smooth engagement with the teeth of the cogs 208 and 209.However, other types of chains may be use in other embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

In addition, in one embodiment, the chain 22 may be replaced with abelt. The belt may be adapted for engagement with a gear/pinion system.

Note that the chain 22 is a motion transferring device. In this regard,the chain engages the rotating bar 207 and transfers the rotating motionto the gear assembly 24 and the wheel 18. Further, if a belt is employedin the above-described embodiment, it is also a motion transferringdevice.

Further note that FIG. 2A further shows radii R₁ and R₂ illustrated ofthe rotating bar 207. The length of the radii R₁ and R₂ defines therotational diameter of the chain 22. Further, more than one rotating bar207, having greater or lesser radii, may be fixedly coupled along to theaxle 206. Further, the position of each cog 208 and 209 along therotating bar 207 or the rotating bar itself may be adjustable, thereforechanging the radii R₁ and R₂, as described further herein with referenceto FIGS. 2D through 2G.

Additionally, the crank system 11 comprises a set of pedals 202 and 203.For purposes of this discussion, the pedal 202 is the pedal on thechain-engaging side of the crank system 11. Note that the chain-engagingrotating bar 207 may be implemented on either side of the crank system11, and the non-chain-engaging side is described with reference to FIG.3.

Note that the pedals crank arms 210 and 300 may be any length of pedalcrank arm known in the art or future-developed. For example, the pedalscrank arms 210 and 300 may be seventeen (17) centimeter or twenty-five(25) centimeter pedal crank arms.

Each pedal 202 and 203 is rotatably coupled to respective crankassemblies 204 and 205. In one embodiment, the crank assemblies 204 and205 are substantially similar.

The crank assembly 204 comprises three crank arms, including a pedalcrank arm 210, a mid crank arm 211, and a crank arm 212. The pedal crankarm 210 is rotatably coupled to the pedal 202 via an axle 291 andcorresponding bore 292 on one end. On an opposing end of the pedal crankarm 210, the pedal crank arm 210 can be fixedly coupled or can berotatably coupled to a bracket axle 201 that rotates within a bore 294(FIG. 2A) and 283 (FIG. 3) in a bottom bracket shell 200. Note that thebracket axle 201 travels through the bore 294 through the width of thebottom bracket shell 200 protruding on the non-chain-engaging side ofthe bottom bracket shell 200 through the bore 283 for receiving the apedal crank arm 300 of the crank assembly 205 on the non-chain-engagingside of the crank system 11, which is described further herein withreference to FIG. 3.

In one embodiment, the bottom bracket shell 200 and/or the bracket axle201 and/or bore 294 and 283 can be mounted to any part of the frame ofthe bicycle. In one embodiment the axle 201 can be fixedly coupled tothe bottom bracket 200 or to the frame.

A fixed distance from the end of the pedal crank arm 210 is a mountingbracket 293 coupled to the pedal crank arm 210. The mounting bracket 293freely retains the mid crank arm 211 via a pin assembly 295 such thatrotational movement is allowed on and about the pin assembly 295.Furthermore, the position of the mounting bracket 293 along the pedalcrank arm 210 may be adjustable. In another embodiment, the mid crankarm 211 may be coupled directly to the pedal crank 210 via the pin 295and mounted at a fixed or adjustable position along the pedal crank arm210.

Further, the lengths of the crank arms 210, 211, and 212 may beadjustable. In this regard, the crank arm 212 comprises fasteneropenings 261 through which the pin 296 may be inserted for coupling themid crank arm 211 thereto. The additional openings 261 allow the crankarm 212 to be adjustable. Additionally, the crank arm 210 comprisesfastener openings 260 through which the pin 295 may be inserted forcoupling the pedal crank arm 210 thereto. The additional openings 260allow the crank arm 210 to be adjustable.

On an end opposite the pin assembly 295, the mid crank arm 211 isrotatably coupled to the crank arm 212 via a pin assembly 296. Notably,the mid crank arm 211 rotates relative to the crank arm 212 on or aboutthe pin assembly 296.

The crank arms 212 and 303 are fixedly coupled to the axle 206,positioned at the opposite end of the axle 206 and longitudinallyopposed relative to one another throughout the rotational cycle. In thisregard, the rotational position shown in FIG. 2A wherein the pedal 202is at its nadir and the pedal 303 is at its zenith, the end of the crankarm 212 that is coupled to the mid crank arm 211 is positioned below theaxle 206; whereas, the end of the crank arm 303 that is coupled to themid crank arm 302 is positioned above the axle 206. In this regard theterms “above” and “below” the axle 206 are referred along the “crankvertical plane” described further herein.

The term “rotational cycle” as used hereinabove refers to one complete360° rotation of the rotating bar 207 and axle 206. In this regard, at180° through the rotational cycle, the pedal 202 as shown in FIG. 2Awould be positioned at its zenith and the pedal 203 would be positionedat its nadir.

The “crank vertical plane” as shown in FIG. 1, 7, 8, 9, is a referencesurface passing through the crank arms 212, 303 and axle the 206, whenone of the pedal 202 or 203 is at its nadir or zenith position.

The “crank pedal plane” as shown in FIG. 1, 7, 8, 9 is a referencesurface passing through the center axles of the pin assemblies 291 and281, when one of the pedal 202 or 203 is at its nadir or zenithposition. In this regard, the terms nadir and zenith, for the pedals 202and 203, are referred along to the “crank pedal plane”.

The “crank middle plane”, as shown in FIG. 1, 7, 8, 9, is a referencesurface passing through the center axles of the pin assemblies 295 and285 in the mounting brackets 293 and 284, when one of the pedal 202 or203 is at its nadir or zenith position. In another embodiment the “crankmiddle plane” is a reference surface passing through the center axles ofthe pin 295 and 285 when the mid crank arms 211 or 302 are coupleddirectly to the pedal crank arms 210 and 300 and when one of the pedal202 or 203 is at its nadir or zenith position.

The crank system 11, the crank system 21 and crank system 40, which aredescribed further herein, may be mounted at any angle formed by the“crank vertical plane” and “crank middle plane”. Furthermore, the cranksystem 11, the crank system 21 and crank system 40, may be mounted atany angle formed by the “crank middle plane” and “crank pedal plane.”

FIGS. 2B and 2C depict exemplary mid crank arms 215 and 216 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure that allow foradjusting the length of the mid crank arms 215 and 216. Twosubstantially identical mid crank arms 215 and 216 may replace the midcrank arms 211 and 302 depicted in FIG. 2A so that the mid crank armsare adjustable.

In this regard, the mid crank arm 215 may be attached via a coupler 264to the pin 296 (FIG. 2A) and may be attached via a coupler 265 to thepin 295 (FIG. 2A). The mid crank arm 215 further comprises a shaft 262that is threadedly coupled via a threaded portion 263 to the coupler 264and threadedly coupled via a threaded portion 266 to the coupler 265. Insuch an embodiment, the length of the mid crank arm 215 may be adjustedby rotating the shaft 262 relative to the couplers 266 and 265.

Further, the mid crank arm 216 may be attached via a coupler 272 to thepin 296 (FIG. 2A) and may be attached via a coupler 273 to the pin 295(FIG. 2A). The mid crank arm 216 further comprises a shaft 267. Theshaft 267 comprises two sections, including section 268 and 269 that areslidably coupled one to the other. In this regard, fasteners 270, e.g.,bolts or screws, may be loosened and/or removed from openings 271. Whenthe fasteners 270 are removed or loosened, each section 268 and 269 maybe slidably adjusted relative to the other, e.g., the sections may bepulled apart or pushed together thereby modifying the length of thecrank arm 216.

FIGS. 2D through 2G depict rotating bars 217-220 in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure that allow for adjusting the radiiR1 and R2 depicted in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2D depicts the bar 218 comprising cogs 408 and 409 slidablyattached to opposing ends of a bar member 410. The bar member 410comprises a bore 411 through which the rotating bar 218 is coupled tothe axle 206 (FIG. 2A). The bar member 410 comprises two channels 412and 413 to which the cogs 408 and 409 are slidably coupled. Notably, thecogs 408 and 409 may comprise fasteners 414 and 415 that may be removedor loosened so that the cogs 408 and 409 may be moved in a directionaway from the bore 411, thereby increasing the radii R1 and R2 shown inFIG. 2A, or toward the bore 411, thereby decreasing the radii R1 and R2.

FIG. 2E depicts the rotating bar 219 comprising cogs 508 and 509 thatare coupled to or integrally formed with slide guides 516 and 515,respectively. The slide guides 515 and 516 are slidably attached toopposing ends of a bar member 510. The bar member 510 comprises a bore512 through which the rotating bar 219 is coupled to the axle 206 (FIG.2A). The bar member 510 comprises two channels 513 and 514 to which theslide guides 516 and 515 are slidably coupled. Notably, the slide guides515 and 516 may comprise fasteners 518 and 519 that may be removed orloosened so that the slide guides 515 and 516 may be moved in adirection away from the bore 512, thereby increasing the radii R1 and R2shown in FIG. 2A, or toward the bore 512, thereby decreasing the radiiR1 and R2.

FIG. 2F depicts the rotating bar 217, which is similar to the rotatingbar 219; however, the rotating bar 217 comprises sliding members 308 and309. The sliding members 308 and 309 comprise toothed ends 314 and 318integrally formed with slide guides 315 and 320. The toothed ends 314and 318 comprise teeth 317 and 319 that engage the chain 22 (FIG. 1).The sliding members 308 and 309 are slidably attached to opposing endsof a bar member 310. The bar member 310 comprises a bore 311 throughwhich the rotating bar 217 is coupled to the axle 206 (FIG. 2A). The barmember 310 comprises two channels 312 and 313 to which the slidingmembers 308 and 309 are slidably coupled. Notably, the sliding members308 and 309 may comprise fasteners 316 and 322 that may be removed orloosened so that the sliding members 308 and 309 may be moved in adirection away from the bore 311, thereby increasing the radii R1 and R2shown in FIG. 2A, or toward the bore 311, thereby decreasing the radiiR1 and R2.

FIG. 2G depicts the bar 220. Bar 220 comprises a bore 611 through whichthe rotating bar 220 may be coupled to the axle 206 (FIG. 2A). The bar220 comprises a bar section 610 integrally formed with toothed ends 608and 609. The toothed ends 608 and 609 comprise teeth 613 and 612,respectively, which engage the chain 22 (FIG. 1). In this regard, thebar section 610 and the toothed ends 608 and 609 are an integrallyformed unitary rotating bar.

FIG. 3 depicts a non-chain-engaging side view of the crank system 11 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Notably, inFIG. 3, the fixed mount bar 214 is shown fixedly coupled to and betweenthe down tube 14 and the seat tube 13, as described hereinabove. Inaddition, the rotating bar 207 is visible as well.

As indicated hereinabove and is shown in FIG. 3, the crank system 11comprises the pedals 202 and 203. The pedal 203 is the pedal on thenon-chain-engaging side of the crank system 11, which is the side viewshown in FIG. 3.

The pedal 203 is rotatably coupled to its corresponding crank assembly205 substantially in the same manner that pedal 202 is coupled to itscorresponding crank assembly 204. The crank assembly 205 comprises threecrank arms, including a pedal crank arm 300, a mid crank arm 302, and arotating bar crank arm 303. The pedal crank arm 300 is rotatably coupledto the pedal 203 via an axle 281 and corresponding bore 282 on one end.On an opposing end of the pedal crank arm 300, the pedal crank arm 300can be fixedly coupled or can be rotatably coupled to the bracket axle201 that rotates within the bore 294 (FIG. 2A) and 283 (FIG. 3) in thebottom bracket shell 200. As noted hereinabove, the bracket axle 201travels through the bore 294 and through the width of the bottom bracketshell 200 protruding on the chain-engaging side of the bottom bracketshell 200 through the bore 283 for receiving the pedal crank arms 210and 300 of the crank assemblies 204 and 205, respectively. Similar tothe crank assembly 204 depicted in FIG. 2A,

A fixed distance from the pedal end of the pedal crank arm 300 is amounting bracket 284 coupled to the pedal crank arm 300. The mountingbracket 284 freely retains the mid crank arm 302 on a first end via apin assembly 285 such that rotational movement is allowed about the pinassembly 285 Furthermore, the position of the mounting bracket 284 alongthe pedal crank arm 300 may be adjustable. In another embodiment, themid crank arm 302 may be coupled directly to the pedal crank 300 via thepin 285 and mounted at a fixed or adjustable position along the pedalcrank arm 300.

In addition, the lengths of the crank arms 300, 302, and 303 may beadjustable. In this regard, the crank arm 303 comprises fasteneropenings 361 through which the pin 286 may be inserted for coupling themid crank arm 302 thereto. The additional openings 361 allow the crankarm 303 to be adjustable. Additionally, the crank arm 300 comprisesfastener openings 360 through which the pin 285 may be inserted forcoupling the pedal crank arm 300 thereto. The additional openings 360allow the crank arm 300 to be adjustable.

On an opposing end the pin assembly 285, the mid crank arm 302 isrotatably coupled to the crank arm 303 via a pin assembly 286. Notably,the mid crank arm 302 rotates relative to the crank arm 303 on or aboutthe pin assembly 286.

FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 depict a position of the crank system 11 wherein thepedal 202 of the chain-engaging side is at its nadir (i.e., at itslowest point in a cycle wherein a cycle consists of moving the pedalsfrom nadir to zenith and back to nadir). Further, the pedal 203 on thenon-chain-engaging side is at its zenith (i.e., at its highest point ina cycle). As shown in FIG. 1, when one pedal is at its zenith and theother is at its nadir, the rotating bar 207 is aligned with the top ofthe gear system 24.

With further reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, in one embodiment, a bicyclistmay apply an upward and downward force to the pedals 202 and 203 thatmay be substantially perpendicular to the ground. Note that in anotherembodiment, the bicyclist may apply a force to the pedals 202 and 203that is tangential to rotation of the pedals 202 and 203.

In this regard, the movement with respect to the pedals 202 and 203 isan up and down movement. Movement of the crank assemblies 204 and 205that induces chain rotation and wheel rotation is described further withreference to FIGS. 6A-6I.

Note that there exists a variety of pedaling techniques that may beapplied by the bicyclist in use of the crank assembly 11. The abovetechnique described is for exemplary purposes only.

FIG. 4 depicts a cut away view of the crank system 11. In this regard,FIG. 4 depicts the mount bar 214 coupled to the down tube 14 and theseat tube 13. In addition, FIG. 4 depicts pedal crank arms 210 and 300to which the pedals 202 (FIG. 2A) and 203 (FIG. 2A) are coupled,respectively.

FIG. 5 depicts another cut away view of the crank system 11 that furtherdepicts the rotating bar 207. As described hereinabove, the rotating bar207 is fixedly coupled to the axle 206, and the axle 206 is rotatablycoupled to the bore 297 in the mounting bar 214. Thus, the rotating bar207 rotates 360° as the pedals 202 and 203 are pedaled up and down via aforce that may be perpendicular to the ground.

A complete cycle consists one pedal beginning at its nadir and the otherat its zenith, each pedal being actuated so that it returns back to itsnadir and zenith, respectively. Such a cycle results in a complete 360°rotation of the axle 206 and rotating bar 207.

Notably, when the rotating bar 207 rotates 360° in response to theforces applied to the pedals 202 and 203 through a cycle, the chain 22(FIG. 1) engaging the cogs 208 and 209 moves as well, which inducesmovement of the wheel 18 (FIG. 1).

FIGS. 6A-6I depict operation of the crank system 11 illustrating insequential order movement of the pedal crank arms and, in response,rotation of the axle 206 and rotating bar 207. In particular, FIGS.6A-6I depict a 360° rotation of the axle 206 and rotating bar 207induced by a bicyclist's actuation of the pedals 202 (FIG. 2A) and 203(FIG. 2A), i.e., downward actuation of pedal 202 and upward actuation ofpedal 203, in that order, through a complete cycle as describedhereinabove.

In this regard, FIG. 6A depicts an initial position of the rotating bar207 showing the cogs 208 and 209, which are in-line with the top of gearsystem 24 of the back wheel 18 and the pedal 202 is at its zenith andthe pedal 203 is at its nadir. As is shown in FIG. 2A, the chain 22(FIG. 2A) moveably couples to the cogs 208 and 209 such that when therotating bar 207 rotates, rotation is caused in the chain 22. Note thatthe pedals 202 and 203 are not depicted in FIGS. 6A-6I for simplicity;however, pedal 202 is rotatably coupled to the pedal crank arm 210 viathe bore 292, and pedal 203 is rotatably coupled to the pedal crank arm300 via bore 282. In addition, in the initial position shown, mid crankarm 211 is positioned such that a portion of the mid crank arm 211 isrotated above the rotating bar 207 and the crank arm 212 is rotatedabove the rotating bar.

Furthermore, on the non-chain-engaging side of the crank system 11 (aside view of which is shown in FIG. 3), the corresponding likecomponents are positioned in an extended position. In this regard, thepedal crank arm 300 is extended and the pedal 203 has been actuated toits nadir. Thus, the mid crank arm 302 and the crank arm 303 areextended downward below the rotating bar 207.

As operation proceeds, i.e., the pedal 202 is forced downward therebyactuating the pedal crank arm 210 in a direction indicated by referencearrow 602, the axle 206 and rotating bar 207 rotates in a directionindicated by reference arrows 700, 701, 600 and 601. Rotation of theaxle 206 results from a downward, axial force on the crank arm 212 aboutthe point located by the pin assembly 296.

In response to force applied to pedal 202, pedal 203 and thecorresponding arms 300, 302, and 303 begin to rotate and in an oppositefashion. In this regard, as the pedal 202 is actuated downward, thepedal 203 begins to be pulled upward by rotation of the axle 206.

With reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, as the downward force is exerted onthe pedal crank arm 210, the pedal crank arm 210 rotates about the pointlocated by the axle 201 as indicated by reference arrow 600 and 700. Thedownward force is transferred to the mid crank arm 211. The mid crankarm 211 rotates about the point located by the pin assembly 295. Thedownward force is transferred to the rotating bar crank arm 212 by thepin assembly 296 causing the axle 206 and the rotating bar 207 to rotateas indicated by reference arrows 601, 600 and 700, 701.

FIGS. 6C and 6D showed continued rotation of the axle 206 and therotating bar 207 and downward movement of the pedal crank arm 210 untilFIG. 6E. In FIG. 6E, the pedal crank arm 210 has been rotated to itsfull extent. In this regard, the pedal 202 to which the pedal crank arm210 is rotatably coupled cannot be actuated downward any farther, andthe pedal is at its nadir. Furthermore, the pedal 203 to which the pedalcrank bar 300 is rotatably coupled cannot be pulled further upward, andthus opposite motion is initiated by downward force by the bicyclist onthe pedal 203.

FIGS. 6F-6I show the 180° completion of a half-cycle of the rotating bar207. In this regard, with reference to FIG. 6F, as the pedal 203 isforced downward and the pedal crank arm 300 moves downward, the pedalcrank arm 210 begins to move upward toward the rotating bar 207 in adirection indicated by reference arrow 802 and the axle 206 and therotating bar 207 continues rotation in a direction indicated byreference arrow 800. With reference to FIG. 6G, continued downward forceon pedal 203 continues rotation of the axle 206 and the rotating bar 207in a direction indicated by reference arrow 900, and with reference toFIG. 6H, continued downward force on pedal 203 continues rotation of theaxle 206 and the rotating bar 207 in a direction indicated by referencearrow 3000 until the final phase of the rotation cycle. The finalcycle-completion phase is depicted in FIG. 6I. Once the cycle iscomplete, the pedal crank arm 210 is again positioned such that thepedal 202 is at its zenith the mid crank arm 211 and the crank arm 212are positioned above the rotating bar 207, and the top of the cogs 208and 209 of the rotating bar 207 are in line with the gear system 24(FIG. 1). Further, the pedal 203 is positioned again at its nadir andthe mid crank arm 302 and the crank arm 303 are fully extended.

FIGS. 7 and 8 depict a recumbent bicycle 30 that comprises a cranksystem 40 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Inthis regard, the crank system 40 is substantially similar to the cranksystem 11 depicted in FIG. 1; however, the crank system 40 is mounted tothe bicycle 30, which is a recumbent bicycle. In one embodiment, therecumbent bicycle may further employ a bracket axle location mountedcrank substantially similar to crank 21 which is further discussedherein.

FIG. 7 depicts a non-chain-engaging side of the recumbent bicycle 30.The crank system 40 comprises the rotating bar 207 that rotates when thepedals 202 and 203 are actuated by the bicyclist. The rotation inducedin the axle 206 and rotating bar 207 actuates the gear system 24 of theback wheel 2000 causing the recumbent bicycle 30 to travel. FIG. 8depicts the chain-engaging side of the recumbent bicycle 30.

FIG. 9 depicts a bicycle 20 equipped with a crank system 21 inaccordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. Thebicycle 20 and the crank system 21 are substantially similar to thecrank system 11 depicted in FIG. 1. In this regard, the crank system 21may be operably coupled to other types of vehicles that are fully orpartially foot-powered or motor-powered vehicle. For example, the cranksystem 21 may be used on a recumbent, which is a vehicle in which thecyclist reclines (in a substantially horizontal position) when ridingand operating the recumbent.

In this regard, the bicycle 20 comprises the frame 17 coupled to theback wheel 18 and the front wheel 19. The bicycle frame 17 comprises thetop tube 12, the head tube 15, the seat tube 13, the down tube 14, theseat stay 16, and the chain stay 20. Such structural components arelinked and integrated as described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 1.

Similar to the crank system 11 (FIG. 1), the crank system 21 translatesup and down pedaling motion (as opposed to rotating motion) effectuatedby a bicyclist into rotating motion in the wheel 18. The crank system 21enables substantially more uniform torque transferred to the wheel 18.

With reference to FIG. 10, the crank system 21 is substantially similarto the crank system 11. However, the rotating bar 207 is rotatablycoupled to the bracket axle 201 that is rotatably or fixedly coupledwithin a bore in the bottom bracket shell 200. In one embodiment theaxle 201 can be fixedly coupled to the bottom bracket 200 or to theframe. Further, the crank system 21 comprises a chain 1000 that engagesa gear 1001 that is fixedly coupled to the axle 206 and a gear 1002fixedly coupled to the rotating bar 207 and rotatably coupled to thebracket axle 201. In this regard, the rotating bar 207 is fixedlycoupled to the axle 206 by the rotation of the gear 1001 and gear 1002,via the chain 1000. Motion induced in the axle 206, resulting from thebicyclist's actuation is transferred, via the gear 1001, the chain 1000and the lower mounted gear 1002, to the rotating bar 207. Such rotationis transferred to the chain 22. Note that gears 1001 and 1002 havesubstantially similar radii length.

Further note that in one embodiment, the chain 1000 is a roller chain.However, other types of chains may be used in other embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

In addition, in one embodiment, the chain 1000 may be replaced with abelt. The belt may be adapted for engagement with a gear/pinion system.

Note that the chain 1000 is a motion transferring device. Further, if abelt is employed in the above-described embodiment, it is also a motiontransferring device.

FIG. 11 depicts the non-chain-engaging side view of the crank system 21.The crank system 21 may be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise by thepoint indicated by the axle 201 to be mounted at any angle withreference to the ground plane, i.e., the plane parallel to the groundrelative to the bicycle 20 (FIG. 9). In this regard, substantiallysimilar to the crank 11, the rotating bar 207 may be coupled such thatthe top of the cogs 208 and 209 align with the line tangent to the gear24 (FIG. 9), when the pedal, 202 or 203 have reached the zenith or nadirposition.

What is claimed is:
 1. A crank system, comprising: a rotating barfixedly coupled to a first end of a first axle, the rotating bar adaptedfor actuating a wheel; a first crank assembly coupled to the first endof the first axle and coupled to a first pedal; a second crank assemblycoupled to a second end of the first axle and a second pedal, whereinthe first crank assembly and the second crank assembly are coupled tothe first axle such that the rotating bar is aligned with a wheel gearassembly adapted for rotating the wheel when the first pedal and secondpedal are at their zenith and nadir positions, alternatively, whereinthe first crank assembly comprises a first crank arm fixedly coupled tothe first axle, a first mid crank arm, a first pedal crank arm, and thefirst pedal and the second crank assembly comprises a second crank armfixedly coupled to the first axle, a second mid crank arm, a secondpedal crank arm and the second pedal, and wherein the first crank armfixedly coupled to the first axle and the second crank arm fixedlycoupled to the first axle are adapted such that during rotation thefirst crank arm fixedly coupled to the first axle and the second crankarm fixedly coupled to the first axle are positioned longitudinallyopposed during a rotational cycle, and the first mid crank arm isrotatably coupled to the first crank arm, and the first pedal crank armis rotatably coupled to the first mid crank arm and the first pedal. 2.The crank system of claim 1, wherein the second mid crank arm isrotatably coupled to the second crank arm and the second pedal crank armis rotatably coupled to the second mid crank arm and the second pedal.3. The crank system of claim 2, wherein the first pedal crank arm isrotatably coupled to a first end of a second axle.
 4. The crank systemof claim 3, wherein the second pedal crank arm is fixedly coupled to asecond end of the second axle.
 5. The crank system of claim 2, whereinthe second pedal crank arm is rotatably coupled to one end of a secondaxle.
 6. The crank system of claim 5, wherein the first pedal crank armis fixedly coupled to another end of the second axle.
 7. The cranksystem of claim 1, wherein the zenith and nadir positions of the firstor second pedal are relative to a crank pedal plane.
 8. The crank systemof claim 1, further comprising at least one additional rotating bar. 9.A crank system, comprising: a rotating bar fixedly coupled to a firstend of a first axle, the rotating bar adapted for actuating a wheel; afirst crank assembly coupled to the first end of the first axle andcoupled to a first pedal; a second crank assembly coupled to a secondend of the first axle and a second pedal, wherein the first crankassembly and the second crank assembly are coupled to the first axlesuch that the rotating bar is aligned with a wheel gear assembly adaptedfor rotating the wheel when the first pedal and second pedal are attheir zenith and nadir positions, alternatively, wherein the rotatingbar comprises at least two slide guides adapted for actuating the wheel,wherein the two slide guides are fixedly and slidably coupled to therotating bar and adapted and arranged for adjusting a distance of eachend from a center point of the rotating bar.
 10. The crank system ofclaim 1, further comprising a motion transferring device coupled to therotating bar and a wheel gear of the wheel gear assembly fortransferring motion from the rotating bar to the wheel, wherein themotion transferring device simultaneously engages two opposing ends ofthe rotating bar and the wheel gear when the first pedal and secondpedal are at their zenith and nadir positions, alternatively.
 11. Thecrank system of claim 10, wherein the rotating bar comprises a first andsecond cog at opposing ends of the rotating bar for engaging the motiontransferring device.
 12. The crank system of claim 9, wherein therotating bar comprises a first set of teeth and a second set of teethintegrally formed on opposing ends of the rotating bar.
 13. The cranksystem of claim 9, wherein the rotating bar is coupled to a second axleand the rotating bar is fixedly coupled to the first axle by a motiontransferring device adapted for engaging a first gear coupled to thefirst axle and a second gear coupled to the rotating bar.